Entering this week’s game against the 5-2 Baltimore Ravens, things were looking rough for the one-win Cleveland Browns.
They were looking like arguably the worst team in the NFL after losing six of their first seven games. Then, they traded their WR1 Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills and lost starting quarterback Deshaun Watson for the rest of the season due to a ruptured Achilles.
However, in Week 8, the Browns did the unthinkable, upsetting the Ravens 29-24. Here’s how the NFL world reacted.
How the Browns Beat the Ravens
Early in the week, Baltimore was favored by 9.5 points over Cleveland, and the line eventually settled at 7.5. However, the Browns didn’t get the memo.
Making his first start in two years, Winston was incredible, throwing for 334 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
Watson had been one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the league before his Achilles injury, so many Browns fans had been calling for Winston to start. On Sunday, the Browns put up season-highs in points (29) and passing yards (334).
No Deshaun Watson.
No Kevin Stefanski calling plays.
Traded Amari Cooper.
Then the Browns beat the Baltimore Ravens who are one of the best teams in the NFL with Jameis Winston throwing for 334 yards and 3 TDs.ANY GIVEN SUNDAY PEOPLE.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 27, 2024
This much-needed win for the Browns would’ve been impressive against any team given the circumstances, but it’s pretty remarkable that Cleveland was able to do this against a red-hot Ravens team that looks like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Entering this game, the Ravens had scored 30+ points in four straight games. Meanwhile, the Browns had lost five straight games and hadn’t scored more than 16 points in any of them — the longest such streak within a single season since the 2017 Houston Texans struggled from Weeks 12-17.
Coming into Week 8, the Browns had punted on 50.6% of their drives this season, pacing for the highest rate since both the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers punted on 50.8% of their possessions in 2016.
However, they looked like a different team on Sunday afternoon, and it certainly seems that Winston has rejuvenated this offense.
Even without Cooper, Winston delivered a monster performance, connecting with Cedric Tillman (seven receptions, 99 yards, and two TDs), Elijah Moore (eight receptions for 85 yards), and David Njoku (five catches for 61 yards and a TD).
🔥🔥🔥 JAMEIS WINSTON 🔥🔥🔥
Healthy JW has always been ELITE‼️
JW shouldn't even be on the #Browns; he should've been signed to be QB1 for the #Saints, #Raiders, #Giants, etc – BUT – enjoy the ride Cleveland; JW's infinitely better than the 💲230m Deshaun Watson 😤 pic.twitter.com/YQ3lLI79Dx
— Author Jameis1of1 (@jameis1of1) October 27, 2024
This is a huge statement game for Winston, who signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Browns in the offseason.
If the 30-year-old can have a strong second half of the season, perhaps that will set him up for a significant payday this offseason.
Winston quoted Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” in his postgame press conference: “You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.”
Jameis Winston's post-game interview was as good as you thought it would be. pic.twitter.com/cirEA3nMyE https://t.co/23enhoVn4A
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 27, 2024
This is a brutal loss for the Ravens, who will play two more divisional games over the next three weeks. In Week 9, they’ll face the Denver Broncos. Then, in Week 10, they’ll host the Cincinnati Bengals on “Thursday Night Football,” followed by a matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11.
The Ravens’ offense had a solid day, as Lamar Jackson finished with 335 total yards plus two passing touchdowns, while Derrick Henry (73 rush yards and a TD), Zay Flowers (seven receptions for 115 yards), and Mark Andrews (five receptions for 36 yards and a TD) all did their part. However, it wasn’t enough to take down the Browns.
For the Browns, they will host the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday before entering their bye in Week 10. We’ll see if Winston and Co. can build on this huge upset win.